your comments
Bryan Jones, Vancouver, Canada
Hi Barrie Davies, I am glad that you wrote in and jogged my memory. I was sure that there were 8 apprentices but I could only think of 6. Now you have added your name to my list. I remember myself, Billy Lee, Dave Thomas, Mike Williams, Gareth Williams, Les Bevan and now yourself for number 7. But I cannot think of the other guy. I did not work with you for very long as I was late starting with the group because I replaced another poor lad who was killed whilst sitting on his bike in the Chirk area by a car driver.
Fri Apr 24 08:35:11 2009
Barrie Davies from Beverley, E. Yorks.
Bryn Jones and Billy Lee, both refer to the group of apprentices - the first group to start in the little traing centre supervised by Ron Thomas. I was one of those eight, but only lasted six months when I left to join the Denbighshire Police Force. Having read the comments it brings back memories. I wonder where the other five are now?
Fri Apr 17 10:40:19 2009
Mike, Conwy
Does anyone recall my father, Jack Edwards, who worked at Monsanto, 1947-69? He died in 1969 aged 53.
Mon Feb 2 08:44:08 2009
Chris Ladkin (nee Cowsill) ex Llan
Bryan, Vancouver. Mam has that photo of you all, can't believe how young my Dad looked! He would have loved me telling him about your emails to this site, and all the other comments. Hope you are keeping well.
Fri Jan 30 09:40:31 2009
Billy Lee, Tanyfron, Wrexham
Hello again Bryan, I remember you well as we were both apprentices at Ruabon and we became good friends. If you wish I can relate all of the names of those absolutely smashing people on picture no. 4, especially as A. Cowsill has someone after further information. I am also very pleased to read your mail and to hope you are in good health.
Tue Jan 20 09:14:07 2009
Bryan Jones, Vancouver
Hi Chris Ladkin. If your mother does not have the picture she can print it from this site. It is picture number 4. I remember your father very well. He worked as a rigger. The guy by the side of him (Stan) was a rigger also.
Mon Jan 19 09:28:44 2009
Chris Ladkin (nee Cowsill)
Bryan, Vancouver. Spoke to my mam about your email regarding working with my dad in Yorkshire, she thinks she may have a photo of you all. She remembers your name very well. Hope you are keeping well.
Mon Jan 12 16:43:59 2009
Kristian Butterton, Cefn Mawr
Just wondered whether anyone remembers working with my taid in Monsanto in the 60s. His name is Ben Butterton.
Fri Jan 9 07:36:23 2009
Ursula Richards, nee Jones
Hello David Hart. Those are very nice memories of my dad & Terry's dad. Yes the rifle club - I went there with my dad & Noel Morris, they would let me have a go at shooting if quiet. My dad or Noel would have to help to hold the rifle for me as it was too heavy. Not a bad shot really, so they said.
Thu Jan 8 10:29:29 2009
David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn
Re. the photographs of Monsanto drivers. In No.1 from left to right are:- Ray Fieldhouse, Trevor Roberts, unknown, Les Edwards and at the back, Idris Thomas. The two men on the right, plus the one kneeling were possibly from the works garage. In No. 2 Left to Right are:- Trevor Roberts, Unknown, "Willy" Wood, Cliff Jones (Corwen), Unknown, Jack Morgan, Eric Morgan and Tom Williams.
Wed Jan 7 08:40:55 2009
Bryan Jones, Vancouver
Hi there Billy Lee, I remember our group of apprentices very well. I believe we were the first group to start in the little training centre by the side of Tom Hewitt the blacksmith. If you look at picture #4 on this site you will recognise quite a few people. You can also find more photos and contacts on the website friendsreunited.
Tue Jan 6 08:04:45 2009
Billy Lee from Tanyfron, Wrexham
When Bryan Jones and I started as apprentices in 1958 we were two of an eight apprentice crew, and were part of the newly formed and trained group supervied by Ron Thomas, and Sam Thompson was the workshop foreman.
Mon Jan 5 09:28:10 2009
David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn
Reading the comments by Gareth Davies and Ursula Richards, brought back many memories for me. I started work at Monsanto on the 31/12/45 (no day off for new year). I worked in the mailing department, opening and delivering the mail around the factory. At that time there were approx. 2000 employees, and all plants were busy, so it was a real "eye opener" for a small boy of my tender age. I eventually got to know many of the workmen and these friendships carried on for many years. Following my stint as messenger boy, I was appointed office boy for the Finished products manager, and worked in the old warehouse situated at the bottom of the Gasworks Hill. From there I went onto the Receiving Office/Weighbridge. This is where I got to know most of the Monsanto drivers, who were continually crossing the weighbridge with their loads. Regarding the Christmas parties that are mentioned. It was whilst I was working on the weighbridge, I was told to report to the works manager's office as Brigadier Patterson, the manager, wanted to see me. I was quaking in my boots wondering what I had done wrong as climbing the stairs to his office. He was a short stocky man, with a fierce moustache. I knocked and, on his command, went in. He put his hand in his pocket and gave me half a crown. He then ordered me to go to the fruit shop in Cefn (Freddy Butts), and buy some mistletoe for the Christmas party. This could have been the very first one to be held (about 1946/7). I was "accosted" by the young ladies who worked in the warehouse when they saw the mistletoe, but was rescued, unfortunately, by my boss. Gareth mentions A9 and explosions that were heard. These were Pressure relief discs, designed to burst when reaction pressures went too high. I think the case of the Autoclave part landing in Bowers Road, may have been when there was a large explosion in the Tech. Laboratory. Fortunately, I was in the army at that time, so missed the experience (1950/52). There was certainly no excuse for hangovers whilst the Aspirin Plant was working. The unofficial dose was enough crytals heaped on a sixpence, placed on a creased piece of paper, and tipped down the throat. NO ONE TRY THIS. I wonder how many suffered with ulcers afterwards. Ursula Richards writes about her father, Sid, who was a great friend of mine. We worked in different plants but under the same roof, for a few years. We both joined Monsanto Rifle Club, and enjoyed a drink or two after a couple of hours shooting. The rifle range was/is in an old Nissen Hut, above the Club house, and was modified by the members into one of the best indoor ranges in N. Wales. I was also friendly with Ursula's father in law, Norman, who worked with the Riggers (heavy gang), as did his father, Norman snr. Unfortunately, most have passed on but at least I am still able to remember them, and the laughs and jokes that were passed amongst us. Monsanto was a real family firm in more ways than one. At one time my father and five sons worked there. There were also four of my uncles working there and seven cousins. If we had all got together we could have started our own business!
Mon Jan 5 09:17:38 2009
Gareth Davies ex-Acrefair
Golly what happy memories I have as a child of the Monsanto Christmas Parties which were held in the old canteen, the food - good old jelly and blancmange - the entertainment, and of course the Christmas present based on your age. My father (Jack Davies) started work there in the 1930s and his first job was to test the canal water along with Bobby "water-rabbit" Evans who later on used to have a new and second-hand furniture shop on Rock Road, Rhosymedre, before he moved to the former chapel opposite Theo Roberts' old garage. My dad was Jack the Waterhen but the nickname didn't stick for some reason. I know not if it's true but I was told that the "hooter" used by Monsanto came from the Wynnstay Colliery after it closed. I've been told that there were three hooters: Monstanto, (four o'clock) the Delph (half-past four) and Hughes and Lancaster at 5 o'clock. When I delivered morning papers for Ike Evans (Bridge Shop) I always listened for it at 7.30 am and my position on Llangollen Road/Abernant would indicate if I'd be late, again, for school. David Hart raises a few issues as I can remember my dad working in A9 and one of my earliest childhood memories is of seeing him in hospital covered in bandages after being burnt. Was it the autoclaves that used to give off a very loud bang like a clap of thunder periodically? On one occasion I've been told part of an autoclave landed near Bowers Road! I seem to recall that something like 95% of the world's Salicylic Acid (Aspirin) was manufactured at there at one time so with that in the atmosphere having a headache wasn't a very plausible excuse. One of my memories is of the great big thermometers that were placed near the Security Offices saying how many man hours had passed without accidents and setting a target. Gifts were distributed to the workforce if the target was achieved one was a biro for sale on ebay recently - I make no further comment! Like Alun Salisbury's father, my father died at the early age 55 and so too did both my mother's brothers who worked at Monsanto as well but it kept me fed and watered until I left home.
Thu Dec 18 08:52:19 2008
Bryan Jones, Vancouver, Canada
I worked in Monsanto from 1958 until 1968 and have lots of fond memories. I have a photograph of a crew that worked in Yorkshire when Monsanto acquired a plastic factory. I remember most of the guys on the photograph; Wynne Evans, Cyril Davies, Geoff Sproston, Cyril Heyward, Arthur Cowsill, Eric Eifield, Idwal Lloyd, etc.
Tue Dec 2 07:21:02 2008
Ursula Richards (nee Jones) Rhosymedre
For Chris Ladkin, just come accross this site. I read with interest. Yes, my dad worked at Monsanto after he came out of the war too. Think he worked in (aspirin plant). John Sidney Jones sadly died 5 years ago. I do remember he had to take early retirement due to health reasons. Also, my father in law, Norman Richards worked there (rigger). Yes, I think all our dads worked there at some point. I remember the Xmas parties very clearly. We would be covered in food & jelly throwing at the end. I also remember going to Shrewsbury for pantomimes. Buses would drop us off on main road, we would then all run down the hill for the theatre - they had no control over us. Glad sombody else remembers the good old times.
Thu Nov 20 08:05:40 2008
Chris Madsen
We walked (Sylvia Lane, Taid Lane, Dinah the dog and I) every Sunday morning, weather permitting, to see Taid's family amid "caustic rain" in Cefn. We as children thought the burning sensation was fun! Does my asthma come from that or my eczema?
Thu Oct 2 08:18:19 2008
Brian Stapley, Brymbo
Just a message to the people around the area of Flexsys, when time comes for the actual closure, make sure your views are taken on board, and that Councillors and officers of the County Borough do what is right for the voters, and keep telling them what you need, not what they want to force upon you, so they can get brownie point. You have some good councillors in that area, but you, the voters must support each other. If it has not been done, get the councillors and the company to set up a liaison group, and make sure you have your say.
Mon Sep 22 08:18:26 2008
MRS M JANSEN
My dad met my mum in Monsanto. They both worked there. It would be 1943 or 1944 when they started to date. I heard many tales about working there from both of them. My uncle Bob also worked there as a security man. As a child I remember liking the smell of vanilla (vanillin) in my dad's cap. I also remember the occasional smell of sulphur in the air around Cefn and Rhosymedre. We kids called it Monstinko. Many of our dads worked there and it will be the end of an era indeed once the plant has ceased producing.
Fri Sep 12 08:24:50 2008
Andy-extemp Acrefair, dpg-pvi-dept
Good luck lads. I enjoyed my time at Flexsys and will never forget the warm welcome. No matter what your job you were part of a team. I hope before it's too late to meet up for an end of shift drink.
Wed Sep 3 08:29:48 2008
Carol Vickers (Hart) Australia
We lived in Abernant until I was 12, first in Jubilee Cres then around the corner to Crane Terrace. Very happy times growing up in the Monsanto area as everybody knew each other and there was always somewhere to go. We were allowed to play tennis at the old club and used to go there to buy crisps and pop!
Wed Aug 27 09:36:43 2008
Dean Torkington
This is sad news, we have played our Meat Loaf tribute (To Hell And Back) at Flexsys for many years now (about 7). We have had some great nights there playing to a packed club.We have some great memories, it would be nice to go back one more time, give us a ring Mike if you want us.
Tue Aug 5 10:02:08 2008
Terry Heyward, Acrefair, from Rhosymedre
To Tony Vaughan. You talk about the Monsanto hooter, do you remember it used to sound at 12 o'clock to bring in the new year. I always remember when I asked my uncle Don Rogers (Rhosymedre) what he did in Monsanto he said 'I blow the hooter'.
Mon Aug 4 10:00:39 2008
Mike Bithell
I have run the club for the last six years, since then we have become a community hall and registered charity. The hall is still a very busy place and remains open 365 days a year all day available to the young, elderly, disabled or not for many sporting and social events. We have no idea what Flexsys have planned for the hall. They will hopefully allow to purchase the land and continue for many years to come. If anyone has any information they can give us on the Graesser - Durward trust formed in approx 1919 it would be most helpful.
Tue Jul 15 08:38:01 2008
Kath Jones-Roux
My dad worked there for many years. I know of a few dedicated people who died whilst working for Monsanto. I would like to pass on a bemusing fact when my dad worked for Monsanto. Actually two funny facts.
1) Steeled toe boots, only right boot had steel toe. Any guess how he was compensated? 2) Monitors when around the chemical tanks. My dad used to tie a piece of string around the monitor and hang it over the tank. Monitors were checked at the end of the shift, and they told my dad he should be dead from the fumes. He never took the required days off for recuperation, neither did he ever admit to his pranks. Needless to say, his monitors were always viewed with suspicion.
Thu Jul 10 08:37:39 2008
Miss J .Williams
My dad, and most of my family have worked in Monsanto and I too have mixed feelings but mainly very sad ones. They were a good family company and I remember catching the bus for the Christmas parties at the bottom of Cefn with my pink name badge, and we actually went to swimming lessons in Wrexham baths that Monsanto paid for. The club house used to be packed out with dances and discos and me and my friends had some very happy times there. I think it should be made into a park for children and incorporate it into the Aquaduct, with regards to the heritage status. Never thought I would see this day and I know my dad was very upset when it was announced, as it had been a big part of his life.
Wed Jul 9 15:05:59 2008
Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) ex Cefn Mawr SW France
To Tony Vaughan: I remember that hooter but you know I had completely forgotten it until you mentioned it. Thank you that brought a lot of memories back like taking a short cut back through the works from Sunday School. We would have been in terrible trouble if anyone had found out, I suppose that made it all the more daring. I share your sentiments that there are very mixed feelings about Monsanto and its closure will be the end of an era.
Mon Jun 30 08:13:38 2008
Kath Jones/Roux
If the old Monsanto/Flexys site is cleared of contamination, housing has already been dismissed. Any suggestions? I have plenty, however, not being a local for many years I don't think it is my right to interject.
Fri Jun 20 09:44:44 2008
Tony Vaughan
Living in Russell Street in the mid sixties overlooking the water towers and boiler house, can anyone remember the 1 o'clock hooter or is it something that I think I remember?
Mon Jun 16 08:40:21 2008
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
Mixed feelings indeed for a place that has to some extent held the community together over the years (as in being a major employer of the area). My condolences to those who will loose their jobs. If Monsanto is re-developed, it will of course also bring to an end the rich industrial history of the site. Not that I'm old enough to remember (!) but companies such as the Plas Kynaston Chemical Works, P K Foundry, P K Pottery, the old gas works, Wards and many many more were all situated more or less within the current works' boundary. And also don't forget the communication links long gone, including the Trevor canal warf branch that used to run through the site, and the tramway and tunnel (by the Queens). I wonder if there will be any interesting 'finds' when the old place is developed?
Thu Jun 12 08:07:40 2008
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff, formerly Cefn Mawr
I have mixed feelings regarding the closure of Flexsys for my father, Edward Salisbury, worked at the plant for a number of years for the former owners, Monsanto. It was during this employment (early 1960s) that he worked in their Pilot Plant, and like other employees in that particular plant, his hair and skin turned a peculiar shade of yellow/orange in colour and remained so for a significant period of time. When mother asked him for an explanation, I recall his concern, saying, 'we are carrying out processes that are experimental having been conducted only once, previously, in the United States'. My father died in 1965 at the comparatively young age of 56. His death certificate gives the cause of death as hypertension and renal failure. I've no reason to doubt this but was suspicious at the time, and remain so, that his death may have been hastened by the chemical processes that he was undoubtedly exposed to - particularly when Monsanto sent mother a letter offering their condolences and the sum of £200 on condition that no claims would be made against the company. Despite my pleas not to, mother signed the paper and accepted the money. Was my father another industrial statistic similar to those workers who unwittingly worked with asbestos?
Thu Jun 5 08:16:07 2008
Chris Ladkin nee Cowsill, formley of Llangollen
My dad Arthur Cowsill worked in Monsanto, and my memories of the place are of the staff's children's parties, firstly the club and in later years going to the pantomime in Chester and Liverpool. Is there anyone else out there who remebers these times?
Fri May 30 08:31:37 2008
Don Jones (Delph) Gainsborough
The item submitted by my cousin Joyce Jones from Penycae has prompted me to submit one of my own. She is quite right that Monsanto, as we knew it, played a great part in the entire community. My father worked there for a while, then my sister, Vanny, worked there during World War 2 and finally I worked there. On leaving Ruabon Grammar School in 1948 I got a job in number 2 Lab and worked there until joining the RAF in 1951. At the time Joyce's husband, Raymond, also worked there (in the Analytical Lab I think). As part of my job I had to visit many of the plants there to collect samples for testing. I enjoyed my time in the Lab and found the staff there extremely good. Some of the older members in particular were very good to me and I used to visit them sometimes when I was home on leave. I always felt that there was a great atmosphere throuhout the factory and I had the genuine good wishes of many people there when I left. I will always have fond memories of the place and, like many others, feel quite sad about its closure.
Thu May 29 09:10:13 2008
William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
To outsiders from the area it may seem incredible that the local community will mourn at the recent news that Flexsys (Monsanto) is to close within three years. However for whatever the cost in the scars to the local environment, it was part of the lifeblood of the village of Cefn Mawr for well over a hundred years and brought much needed employment. Whilst of course our immediate concern is the loss of some 150 jobs, we must ensure that before they leave the area the company take steps to clean all the sites that were used by them over the years. The company and its forerunner Monsanto made%2! 0a lot of profit over the years, and they should now be forced to recognise their duty to the community and must not be allowed a cheap getaway.
Wed May 28 11:04:54 2008
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